De Pan

Design 1770 TaAroa

Here's a project that has flown fairly "under the radar". She is a cold molded sloop build in Auckland, New Zealand at the Max Carter Yard in 1964, designed to no class, rule nor rating formula to have a length under 60' overall. She is triple diagonal planked in Kauri. She was the largest cold molded yacht built at that yard at the time of her launch.


Here are the plans.


Here's a shot of Olin Stephens with who I believe is Max Carter. I suppose it was a rather rainy day for a yard inspection (or launch).


In 1973 she made her debut in her first ocean race participating in the Auckland-Suva Race. She won the race establishing a course record: 1,170 nautical miles in 49 hours, 59 minutes.